Aircraft fluid drip pan system

Abstract

A system for improved collection and containment of fluids such as oils that commonly drip from an aircraft during service maintenance operations and during normal periods of storage. The system comprises a ground-supported drip pan incorporating a peripheral cutout adapted to accommodate a landing wheel of the aircraft to permit effective positioning under the engine. An embodiment for exterior use utilizing the weight of the aircraft to prevent movement of the system is also disclosed.

Description

[0001] The present application is related to Applicant's prior U.S. Provisional Application No. 60 / 341,100, filed Nov. 29, 2001, entitled "AIRCRAFT OIL DRIP PAN", and U.S. Utility Application No. 10 / 307,056, filed Nov. 29, 2002, the contents of which are herein incorporated by reference and are not admitted to be prior art with respect to the present invention by their mention in this cross-reference section.[0002] This invention relates to providing a system for improved collection and containment of fluids, such as oils, that commonly drip from an aircraft during service maintenance operations and during normal periods of storage.[0003] Typically, aircraft engines as well as other internal combustion engines employ oil, whether natural or synthetic, and sometimes other fluids for lubrication and cooling. When the aircraft is parked in a hangar or tied down on a tarmac, these fluids will commonly leak from the engine compartment, normally in small quantities. Even in small amounts,...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

[0011] It is another object and feature of the present invention to provide such a system that has a web that fits under the aircraft wheel, thus effectively fixing the pan in place to prevent it from being moved by wind, weather, or theft.

[0012] It is a further object and feature of the present invention to provide such a system that permits convenient pouring of the collected fluids.

Problems solved by technology

When the aircraft is parked in a hangar or tied down on a tarmac, these fluids will commonly leak from the engine compartment, normally in small quantities.

The pavement surface, usually asphalt, absorbs these petroleum drippings and is affected by that absorption to the detriment and degradation of the parking surface and even of the environment.

This practice is no longer acceptable in these environmentally conscious times and is now forbidden by most airport management and environmental authorities, or frequently illegal.

Since the engine compartment is normally above the nose wheel of single engine aircraft and commonly adjacent the main landing gear wheels of twin-engine aircraft, drip pans intended for use by automobiles cannot be used, not having an accommodation for the wheel.

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